Evaluation of awareness and knowledge levels of pediatric residents on brucellosis

Objective: Brucellosis, endemic in Türkiye, requires physicians’ awareness for early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aimed to assess pediatric residents’ knowledge and awareness of brucellosis. Material and Methods: Between August and September 2023, pediatric residents with 0–48 months of training at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital were surveyed using an online 15-item, cross-sectional, multiple-choice questionnaire covering demographics, clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis. Each item included four response options reflecting different diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. Incomplete or unsubmitted forms were excluded. Results: A total of 174 residents participated (73% female). Of these, 84 (48.3%) were senior and 90 (51.7%) junior. Senior residents had significantly higher correct response rates than juniors regarding complications (88.1% vs. 83.3%), clinical symptoms (91.1% vs. 70.2%), laboratory findings (77.8% vs. 58.3%), diagnostic serology (52.2% vs. 28.6%), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for sacroiliitis (83.3% vs. 65.5%), antibiotic combinations (72.2% vs. 50.0%), and treatment of spondylitis (47.8% vs. 23.8%) (p